System and Method for Covering Weight Plates

ABSTRACT

A system and method for covering weight plates is disclosed herein. Specifically, a system for covering weight plates can comprise a top sleeve comprising a first center orifice and a bottom sleeve comprising a second center orifice aligned parallel to the first center orifice. Additionally, the bottom sleeve can be connectable with the top sleeve.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a system and method for covering weight plates.

Today, some of the most commonly used training equipment in homes or gyms include resistance equipment, as weight benches and plate weights are often used for strength training Weight benches of different types are used to help users achieve correct posture and ensure the targeting of particular muscle groups. Additionally, weight benches are used in conjunction with other weightlifting equipment, such as barbells, dumb bells, and kettle bells. Due to frequent use, padded and/or upholstered weight benches often crack, tear, and/or rip open from constant wear and tear. Likewise, weight plates that are used with weight benches can also rust when unused and stored for a long time.

A common method used to repair damaged weight benches involves taping or sewing a portion of the torn area. This method can prevent further damage on the torn area. However, not only will the damaged area look unsightly, but it can also result in discomfort for users from uneven surfaces or protrusions on the bench surface. Furthermore, taping the damaged area tends to be an exclusively temporary fix, as the torn portion can continuously tear again from frequent use and create additional damage. Having weight benches fixed by an upholsterer can be time consuming and costly. Repetitively scrubbing rust from metal weight plates or painting over the plates after cleaning the rust off can be tiring, inconvenient, costly, and time consuming.

As such, it would be useful to have an improved system and method for covering weight plates.

SUMMARY

A system and method for covering weight plates is disclosed herein. Specifically, a system for covering weight plates can comprise a top sleeve comprising a first center orifice and a bottom sleeve comprising a second center orifice aligned parallel to the first center orifice. Additionally, the bottom sleeve can be connectable with the top sleeve.

Furthermore, a method for covering weight plates is disclosed herein. Specifically, a method for covering weight plates can comprise inserting a weight plate into a bottom sleeve and connecting a top sleeve to the bottom sleeve, where the bottom sleeve can be mateable with the top sleeve. The method can further comprise the step of inserting a weight bar through a center orifice of the top sleeve and the bottom sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a weight bench protected with plate sleeves and a bench cover.

FIG. 2 illustrates plate sleeves covering a weight plate.

FIG. 3 illustrates plate sleeves comprising a top sleeve and a bottom sleeve.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of plate sleeves where a portion of top sleeve can be attached to a portion of bottom sleeve.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of plate sleeves that can form one or more handle openings.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a bench cover for a bench.

FIG. 6A illustrates a bench cover that can enclose a bench through one or more hooded coverings.

FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of bench cover that uses a fastening device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a system and method for covering weight plates. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a weight bench 100 protected with plate sleeves 101 and a bench cover 102. Weight bench 100 can comprise any piece of bench equipment designed for weight training. Weight bench 100 can comprise a bench 103 and a rack 104. Bench 103 can include various adjustable configurations, such as, but not limited to, flat, incline, or decline positions. Bench 103 can comprise a long bar portion on weight bench 100 designed for seating. Rack 104 can comprise a framework and/or stand that can attach to bench 103. Rack 104 can hold free weight equipment, such as dumb bells and/or barbells. Plate sleeves 101 can be made of any material designed to protect and enclose weight plates that can be attached to free weight equipment. Bench cover 102 can be used to protect bench 103.

FIG. 2 illustrates plate sleeves 101 covering a weight plate 200. Weight plate 200 can comprise different sizes, weight levels, and types. Weight plate 200 can be used to increase weight of adjustable weight barbell or set of adjustable weight dumbbells. Weight plate 200 can comprise metal and/or rubber material. In an embodiment where weight plate 200 comprises metal, plate sleeves 101 can be used to protect weight plate 200. In such embodiment, plate sleeves 101 can comprise rust resistant material, which can include, but is not limited to rubber. Moreover, the visible surface of plate sleeves 101 can have various type of decoration, engravings, and/or other design materials. As an example, a visible surface of plate sleeves 101 can contain an embossed information and/or logos such as, a company name, brand name, and/or measurement of weight plate 200 (i.e. kilograms “KG” or in pounds “LBS”). Plate sleeves 101 can be clear or can comprise any kind of color and/or textures.

FIG. 3 illustrates plate sleeves 101, which can comprise a top sleeve 301, a bottom sleeve 302, a center orifice 303 and a rim 304. Top sleeve 301 can be the cylindrical top portion of plate sleeves 101 that can cover the top surface or one side of weight plate 200. Bottom sleeve 302 can be the cylindrical bottom portion of plate sleeves 101 that can cover the bottom surface or the opposite side of weight plate 200. Center orifice 303 can comprise a through hole on plate sleeves 101 that is centrally aligned with the central opening of weight plate 200. Central orifice 303 can be an opening for receiving the bar of a barbell or dumbbell. Rim 304 can be the protruding member placed around the edge surface of plate sleeves 101.

In one embodiment, top sleeve 301 can be removed entirely from bottom sleeve 302. In such embodiment, top sleeve 301 and bottom sleeve 302 can be separable from each other. As such, weight plate 200 can be easily placed into any of the plate sleeves 101. In such embodiment, top sleeve 301 and bottom sleeve 302 can be attached together through a locking mechanism, such as a lock tight mechanism and/or any fastening device, which can include but is not limited to, zippers, and/or snaps.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of plate sleeves 101 where a portion of top sleeve 301 can be attached to a portion of bottom sleeve 302. In such embodiment, top sleeve 301 and bottom sleeve 302 can create have a large opening 401 where weight plate 200 can be inserted. As such, large opening 401 can be fastened through any fastening device 402, which can include but is not limited to, zippers, and/or snaps.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of plate sleeves 101 that can form one or more handle openings 403. Handle openings 403 can be used for weight plates 200 that comprise formed grip handles. In such embodiment, user can carry weight plates 200 with plate sleeves 101 attached through handle openings 403. Moreover, handle openings 403 can use a tight lock mechanism and/or other fastening device, such as a hook and loop system, zippers, and/ or snaps to ensure that handle openings 403 can wrap around and attach together tightly.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of bench cover 102 for bench 103. Bench cover 102 can comprise soft, durable, and water-resistant materials, such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastics, leather and/or fabrics. Additionally, the bottom surface of bench cover 102 can comprise slide resistant material, such as, but not limited to, rubber, which can prevent bench cover 102 from sliding off bench 103. Slide resistant material can ensure that bench cover 102 stays in place and does not crimple and cause discomfort for the user.

Bench cover 102 can be used as a protective layer for bench 103 that can also provide an additional cushion for users. Moreover, the visible surface of bench cover 102 can comprise different textures, colors, and/or designs. As such, bench cover 102 can contain information, such as company name, logo, and/or brand name. In an embodiment where bench 103 can comprise a fixed flat weight bench 100, bench cover 102 can form a single sleeve to cover the entire bench 103 surface. In another embodiment where bench 103 can comprise a back pad 501 and a seat pad 502, one or more bench covers 102 can be used to protect bench 103. In such embodiment, a seat sleeve 503 and a back sleeve 504 can be used to cover separate members of bench 103.

FIG. 6A illustrates bench cover 102 that can enclose bench 103 through one or more hooded coverings 601. Hooded covering 601 can be an extended covering attached at one or more edges of bench cover 102. In one embodiment, hooded covering 601 can comprise a flexible and/or elastic material capable of stretching and/or returning to its original shape. As such, hooded covering 601 can tightly wrap under the surface of bench 103. In this embodiment, some areas at the bottom portion of bench 103 can be exposed and not covered with hooded covering 601.

FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of bench cover 102 that uses a fastening device 402. In one embodiment, bench cover 102 can cover bench 103 entirely. In such embodiment, bench cover 102 can enclose the whole bench 103. As such, fastening device 402 can comprise, for example, zippers, and/or snaps to fasten and/or unfasten bench cover 102.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” 

1. A system for covering weight plates comprising a top sleeve comprising a first center orifice and a bottom sleeve comprising a second center orifice aligned parallel to said first center orifice and said bottom sleeve is connectable with said top sleeve.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said top sleeve and said bottom sleeve are substantially cylindrical.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said top sleeve is removable from said bottom sleeve.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the sides of said top sleeve comprises a first fastener and said bottom sleeve comprise a second fastener, further wherein said first fastener is compatible with said second fastener.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said first fastener and said second fastener comprise a zipper.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein said first fastener and said second fastener comprise a hook and loop system.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein said first fastener and said second fastener comprise a button.
 8. The system of claim 4, wherein said first fastener and said second fastener comprise a tight lock system.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said surface of said top sleeve and said bottom sleeve comprises one or more handle opening, said handle opening of said top sleeve directly parallel with said handle opening of said bottom sleeve.
 10. A method for covering weight plates comprising inserting a weight plate into a bottom sleeve and connecting a top sleeve to said bottom sleeve, further wherein said bottom sleeve mateable with said top sleeve.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of inserting a weight bar through a center orifice of said top sleeve and said bottom sleeve. 